Welder/Fabricator - Expert

Welder/Fabricator - Expert

Chicago, United States

Company
Confidential
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
35–45 an hour
Posted
20 days ago
Via
Indeed
Apply On

Job Description
Role and Responsibilities

· Cleans and maintains work area and equipment, including tools.

· Cut material using powered saws, oxy-acetylene torch, or plasma cutter.

· Suitably prep, layout, fit and finish work pieces using hand tools or a grinder.

· Read and interpret blueprints to ensure exact specifications of output.

· Safely use power and hand tools commonly used in fabrication (i.e., drills, saws, hand grinders, etc.)

· Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.

· Test output to ensure strength and tolerance of welds.

· Work in a team and independently as required

· Ability to follow detailed instructions

· Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor or manager

· Positive “can do” attitude and strong work ethic

Job Requirements:

· Languages: English (Fluent)

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Ability to stand, crouch, and occasionally lift heavy equipment.

· Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and stand 7 to 8 hours per day.

Exceptional benefits package including health insurance, paid vacations and holidays and 401K.

General Skills & Qualification

· Experience welding including plate and pipe; both groove and fillet welding

· Must be able to read and understand weld symbols, weld procedures and mechanical blueprints

· Ability to prep, set up, fit, weld and test welds

· Experience using power tools and hand tools commonly used in fabrication (i.e., drills, saws, hand grinders, etc.)

· Ability to accurately measure and inspect parts and materials using tape measure, calipers, levels, squares etc.

· Experience welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and carbon to stainless in a manufacturing environment

· Experience with semi-automatic and manual welding equipment

· General fabrication and basic machining
• Ability to use a manual lathe, mainly for squaring and beveling pipe etc. (preferred)
• Experience with drill press (standard and radial arm drill) a plus

· Experience with operating Overhead Cranes

· Forklift operation

Welder/Fabricator - Code Experienced

Pay: Competitive ($35-45/hr)

· Experience welding in a code compliant environment, such as AWS, ASME Boiler Code, etc.
• Must be able to follow WPS’s and pass welder qualification tests including plate and pipe in the 2G position
• Provide documentation of previous code certifications or other technical education

· Skills and experience with all the following welding and cutting processes:
• GTAW (TIG) – Expert level (high cosmetic, water/pressure tight, sanitary welding)
• SMAW (Stick) – Minimum 5+ years of experience
• GMAW (MIG) – Minimum 5+ years of experience
• Carbon and stainless MIG experience
• Plasma arc cutting, flame cutting, and metal arc gouging
• Additional: SAW (submerged arc welding) a plus

· Ability to independently fabricate fixtures and jigs as needed from scratch

· Expert level lay out, set up, fit up, weld testing

· Working knowledge of shop travelers for code certified fabrication

· The compensation range identified above is a good faith estimate of the salary expected to be paid as performed. Actual salaries may vary based on compensable factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, education and training, and other relevant business and organizational factors. High end of pay only with experience and skills exceeding levels described above.

· Skills will be tested prior to hire.

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):
• Do you have experience following ASME/AWS code? What process was being inspected?
• Have you passed a welder qualification test of plate and pipe in the 2G position?

Education:
• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:
• Stick welding: 5 years (Required)
• MIG welding: 5 years (Required)
• TIG welding: 5 years (Required)

Language:
• English (Required)

License/Certification:
• Driver's License (Required)
• Forklift Certification (Preferred)

Shift availability:
• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs in United States

Q What is the median annual salary for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected at $51,200 in 2026 based on May 2023 data of $48,290 adjusted for 2% annual wage growth through 2033. Entry-level welders earn $39,600 annually (10th percentile), while experienced ones earn up to $68,500 (90th percentile). Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate adds an average of $5,000 yearly.
Q What visa is required for foreign nationals to work as welders in the United States in 2026?
Foreign welders typically qualify for H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visas, with a FY2026 cap of 68,500 visas plus up to 64,000 supplemental, processed starting October 1, 2025. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before need, proving no US workers available. Visa valid up to 12 months, extendable to 3 years maximum.
Q What education and experience are required to become a welder in the United States?
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement, with most employers requiring completion of a 6-month to 1-year vocational training program or apprenticeship. Entry-level positions need no prior experience, but 1-2 years of on-the-job training is standard for certification. Associate degrees in welding technology improve hiring chances by 25%.
Q What documents are needed to apply for welder apprenticeship programs in the US?
Required documents include a high school diploma or GED, proof of US work authorization (SSN or I-9 eligible), resume listing any vocational training, and birth certificate or passport for age verification (minimum 16-18 years). Safety eyewear and basic tools may be needed at orientation. Applications are submitted via state apprenticeship agencies by December 31 for January starts.
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